RESCUE ALERT KIT

Abstract: A rescue alert kit (10) is provided herein. The kit includes an envelope, preferably a transparent envelope (20), which includes a reclosable opening (22). A high decibel whistle (27) is secured thereto. The envelope includes elements (23) which enables the envelope to be hung or to be secured to a wall. Within the envelope are a chemiluminescent safety light (70) and fire evacuation safety instructions (40) and optionally also a smoke alarm battery test checklist. In addition, the envelope includes an attention flag (51), the attention flag being rectangular and being made of a material having light reflective, or retroreflective, or phosphorescent, or fluorescent properties, and having a plurality of safety appliques thereon (53, 54, 55). The safety appliques are made from a material having phosphorescent, or fluorescent, or light reflective or retroreflective properties. The attention flag includes a grip, e.g., a suction cup (59) secured thereto. In addition it includes another grip at the free end of a cord (57) secured thereto.

Description: (1) Title of the Invention Rescue Alert Kit (21 Technical Field This invention relates to a rescue alert kit. (3) Background Art When a fire breaks -out in a building the first priority for people is to evacuate the building. However, there are many instances where it would be unsafe to leave a room in a burning building. Under those circumstances, it is imperative to attract attention of fire fighters to assist in safe evacuation from that room. There has been little done to educate the public on what to do if it is unsafe to evacuate a room. Moreover, in order to obtain an early warning of the breakout of a fire, it is also necessary to ensure that the battery of a smoke detector is functioning properly. It would therefore be desirable to provide a kit which can be used to attract attention to persons trapped in a room in a burning building. It would also be desirable to provide such a kit that is useful to assist people in evacuating burning or unsafe buildings. It is also desirable to enable a person properly to monitor the smoke detector, insofar as the battery is concerned, to ensure that is properly functioning at all times. This is one of the most important aspects stressed by all fire departments to the public when promoting fire safety. (4) Disclosure of the Invention The present invention is provided to meet all these desirable objectives. This invention provides a rescue alert kit comprising an envelope, preferably a transparent envelope, the envelope including a reclosable opening, and, having secured thereto, a high decibel whistle, the envelope also including means to hang the envelope on a support or member, or to secure the envelope to a wall or a body part, the envelope containing a che iluminescent safety light, fire evacuation safety instructions, and an attention flag, the attention flag preferably being rectangular and being made of a material having light reflecting or phosphorescent or retroreflective properties, and having a plurality of safety appliques thereon, the appliques being made from a material having fluorescent or light reflecting or retroreflective properties, the attention flag including, secured thereto, a secure ent means, e.g., a suction cup, and a cord having a grip at the free end thereof. This invention also provides a rescue alert kit comprising an envelope, preferably a transparent envelope, the envelope including a reclosable opening, and, having secured thereto, a high decibel whistle, the envelope also including means to hang the envelope on a support or member, or to secure the envelope to a wall or a body part, the envelope containing a chemiluminescent safety light, fire evacuation safety instructions, a smoke alarm battery test checklist and an attention flag, the attention flag preferably being rectangular and being made of a material having light reflecting or phosphores¬ cent properties or retroreflective, and having a plurality of safety appliques thereon, the appliques being made from a material having fluorescent or light reflecting or retroreflective properties, the attention flag including, secured thereto, a securement means, e.g., a suction cup, and a cord having a grip at the free end thereof. By one variant of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the transparent envelope is made of a vinyl plastic material. By other variants of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the reclosable opening is VELCRO TM ; or the reclosable opening is a ZIPPER™. By another variant of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the means for hanging is a loop secured to the envelope. By still another variant of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the means " for securing is a rubber band secured to the top and the bottom of the envelope, especially wherein the rubber band also includes a strip of VELCRO JM secured thereto. By yet another variant of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the chemiluminescent safety light, once activated is adapted to shine for at least twelve hours, especially wherein the chemiluminescent safety light also includes an elastic loop secured to its casing. By a still further variant of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the attention flag is a rectangular strip of synthetic plastic material divided by two score lines to enable a folded-up flag automatically to become unfolded. By an additional variant of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the grip comprises a rod formed of a synthetic plastic having fluorescent properties, tied to one free end of the cord. By a variant of the second embodiment, the smoke alarm battery checklist comprises a flat plastic plate having magnets on its rear face to be attachable to a metal surface. By another variant of the second embodiment, the smoke alarm battery checklist comprises a flat plate having an adhesive surface on its rear face to be attachable to a smooth surface. By yet another variant of the second embodiment, the smoke alarm battery checklist comprises a paper sheet which has a self-adhesive rear surface to be attachable to a smooth surface. By one preferred embodiment of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the envelope is a transparent envelope which is made of a vinyl plastic materia-l; the reclosable opening is VELCRO TM ; the means for hanging is a loop secured to the envelope; the means for securing is a rubber band secured to the top and the bottom of the envelope which also includes a strip of VEI-CRO™ secured thereto; the chemiluminescent safety light, once activated is adapted to shine for at least twelve hours and also includes an elastic loop secured to its casing; the attention flag is a rectangular strip of synthetic plastic material divided by two score lines to enable a folded-up the flag automatically to become unfolded; and the grip comprises a rod formed of a synthetic plastic having fluorescent properties, tied to one free end of the cord. By another preferred embodiment of the rescue alert kit of this invention, the envelope is a transparent envelope which is made of a vinyl plastic material; the reclosable opening is a ZIPPER TM ; the means for hanging is a loop secured to the envelope; the means for securing is a rubber band secured to the top and the bottom of the envelope; which also includes a strip of VELCR0 TM secured thereto; the chemiluminescent safety light, once activated is adapted to shine for at least twelve hours and also includes an elastic loop secured to its casing; the attention flag is a rectangular strip of synthetic plastic material divided by two score lines to enable a folded-up the flag automatically to become unfolded; and the grip comprises a rod formed of a synthetic plastic having fluorescent properties, tied to one free end of the cord. (5) Brief Description of the Drawings In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a copy of a photograph of the contents of the kit of one embodiment of this invention viewed from the obverse side; Fig. 2 is a copy of a photograph of the contents of the kit of the embodiment of this invention of Fig. 1 viewed from the front side; Fig. 3 is a view of the transparent container forming part of the kit of the embodiment of this invention of Fig. 1 viewed from the obverse side; Fig. 4 is a view of the attention flag forming part of the kit of the embodiment of this invention of Fig. 1, viewed from the obverse side; and Fig. 5 is a copy of the front face of a typical smoke alarm battery test checklist for use in an embodiment of this invention. (6) Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the kit 10 of one embodiment of this invention includes a transparent envelope 20, fitted with fire safety instructions 40, an attention flag 50 and a safety light 70. As seen in Fig. 3, the transparent envelope 20 is an envelope 21 made of transparent plastic material, i.e. vinyl, or MYLA ™. The envelope 21 includes a reclosable fastener 22, which, as shown, is a slidable reclosable fastener (ZIPPER TM ) , but which can be hook-and-loop fasteners (VELCRO TM ) . The envelope 21 also includes a loop 23 which may be used to hang the envelope, e.g., on a door knob. The obverse side of the envelope includes a band 24, part of which is an elastic band 25, the remainder of which is a VELCRO TM strip 26. The envelope 21 also has a high decibel whistle 27, attached thereto, e.g., that known by the trade-mark FOX TM 40, of 130 - 160 decibels. Within the envelope 21 is a set of fire safety instructions 40. While all fire safety instructions are different, typical such instructions may be as follows: "1. Test the door. If the door is hot do not open it. The door is tested by using the back of your hands. If the door is hot, take your second way out; if not, brace your shoulder against the door and open it carefully, being ready to close it quickly if heat or smoke rush in. 2. Go to the window, and place attention sign out of window. 3. Blow the whistle for help. 4. Use the safety light. This may be done by breaking the seal, and bending once. Then snap and shake to initiate the light. Wave the safety light at the window. 5. Stay at the window, and wait for fire fighters. 6. If you are trapped, maintain closed doors between yourself and smoke. Stuff cracks and cover vents to keep smoke out. Wait at the window and signal with the safety light and the attention sign. 7. If it is possible to leave the room, crawl fast and stay low to escape smoke. Smoke rises, while clean air stays low near the floor so get down on your knees and crawl, maintaining contact with the walls as you head to the nearest exit." As seen in Fig. 4, the attention sign 50 consists of a rectangular sheet 51 of plastic provided with two vertical/horizontal score lines 52 to enable the sign 50 to be folded up but to drop to its full length when lifted. The sign 50 is formed of a plastic material, e.g., vinyl plastic, having a coating thereon, preferably of a phosphorescent or fluorescent day-and-night glow material. On the sign 50 are three international symbols, e.g., "telephone" 53, "fire" 54 and "SOS" 55. The symbols are appliques formed of plastic material having, e.g., phosphorescent, or fluorescent, or retroreflective properties. The upper end of the sign 50 is ^ provided with an aperture 56 through which is attached a non-extensible cord 57. The other end of the cord 57 is attached to a handle 58. Also adjacent the aperture 56 is a suction cup 59. The safety light 70 is shown in Figs, l and 2. It consists of a flexible plastic tube 71 filled with a liquid chemiluminescent material. When activated, as by bending the flexible plastic tube 71 containing such material, it shines for at least twelve hours. One commercially available such chemiluminescent safety light is that sold under the trade-mark CYALUME™. The light 70 also includes an elastic strap or wrist loop 73. As seen in Fig. 5, the smoke alarm battery test checklist may be a plastic plate of rectangular shape provided with magnets on the back side or with two-sided stick-on tape to be able to attach to a metal or smooth surface, e.g., a refrigerator or wall. It may alternatively be made in a printed self-adhesive type paper such as "Mac Tac" that will have the wording printed on two faces as, for example, in the form of two facing pages of a book. The rear face will stick to any flat surface. The proposed size of this item will be approximately 4" x 6" but will depend on the final graphics and wording. Suitable and typical instruction for its use are as follows: Statistics show that 50% of all battery operated smoke alarms in homes will not be functioning in the future because of very little maintenance being done. (1) - Please TEST your SMOKE ALARM EACH WEEK (2) - Please REPLACE your dead battery IMMEDIATELY NEVER remove your live battery for any reason REMEMBER a properly functioning smoke alarm is your first defence it is your night watchperson. Place this handy checklist on the refrigerator door or near a phone so that it will be a constant reminder to test your smoke detector every week and place an "X" in the appropriate square for that week. Everyone should always be reminded to BE SAFETY CONSCIOUS. The rescue alert kit is not intended to replace a smoke detectors and alarms which allows for warning [and the testing of which is a facet of this invention] , or a fire extinguisher when available, but is intended to help a person escape from a fire. The most important factor for any fireman is to rescue any person from a burning building and the most difficult task in fire fighting is locating a person in a fire situation. It often happens that the person cannot leave their room and for this reason, the fire safety kit will be of immeasurable value. It will also be of value if the person does leave his immediate location and makes his way out of a burning building. Its presence on the premises will always serve as a reminder of what to do on a daily basis if you become involved in a fire situation. In its use, the elastic strip is provided so that a person can slip it over his wrist and have it available at all times. The VELCR0 TM on the elastic strip allows this kit to be positioned in a very visible location in every room wherein fire may occur. The location may be over a light switch or near a window. The whistle is important because it can be used to alert other family members, or alert fire fighters to the exact location of the person within a building. If that person is able to evacuate the building, it can alert others to the fact that he is out and safe so that no one will go in after him/her. Also, in higher buildings, a person may blow the whistle from a balcony or window to alert fire fighters to his location. The importance of the attention flag is due to the fact that, as a rule, fire fighters will shine flashlights at every window to determine if there are any people in that room. The suction cap on the attention flag allows a person to "stick the sign to the window glass and move it sideways to attract the light from the fire fighters. The small handle is useful since it allows a person to slip it between his fingers and to open a window just enough to slip the sign through (and as not to allow for a back draft) . The person would be able to move the sign up and down to attract attention. In the event that the person would lose consciousness, the sign would not slip through the window but would remain clutched in his hand or get stuck at the sill, indicating that someone is in that room. The importance of the elastic strip on the safety light and that a person may slip the strap around his wrist and wave at a window to attract the fire fighters. It is easily seen through smoke. The fire instructions directions are very important. A parent can teach the family what to do in case of a fire and can establish a predetermined escape plan. The fire safety kit instructions may be printed on a cardboard that would be inserted inside the bag and be visible from both faces. (7) Industrial Applicability As described above, the present invention provides a rescue alert kit including a special vinyl case containing a whistle, a fold-out sign with specific attachments, a twelve hour high intensity safety light with an elastic strap, a general escape plan and training instructions, as well as a printed panel of instructions visible from both faces. In more general terms, the rescue alert kit includes a clear vinyl bag or pouch or envelope with a VELCR0 TM closure on either the top or side to permit fast, easy access to the contents within the bag. An elastic strip approximately 1" wide is sewn to the bag, or pouch, or envelope, at the top and bottom. On this elastic strip is sewn a small piece of VELCRO™ (both hook and pad) . The rescue alert kit also includes an elastic loop that permits the kit to be hung on a doorknob. A very high decibel whistle (for example, the FOX TM 40 whistle with a 130 decibel count) is attached to the kit and is useful to alert people as to the exact location of the person. The rescue alert kit also contains a unique 3-way folded attention sign made of a reflective vinyl and printed with three fluorescent or phosphorescent or retroreflective signals that will shine in the dark. The symbols are the international symbols for "phone", "fire", and "SOS". The sign also has a small suction cup at the top. The sign also has a small handle secured to a cord. As fully described above, the rescue alert kit of this invention is designed to work in a situation where the person cannot leave the room he is in and that his best chance for survival is to stay where he is and wait for the fire fighters to rescue him. However, it is also designed to slip on a person's wrist and be taken with the person as that person tries to escape the fire. In this way, should the person become trapped along the way, it may help save the person's life by allowing fire fighters to find the person quickly, e.g., either by the person blowing the whistle, or by having the safety light functioning around the person's other wrist, even in the event that the person became unconscious. The kit could also be as a protection for the person's fist should the person have to break a window on the way out or touch something that is hot.

Claims: CLAIMS : 1. A rescue alert kit comprising: an envelope, said envelope including a reclosable opening, and, having secured thereto, a high decibel whistle, said envelope including means to hang the envelope on a support or member, or to secure the envelope to a wall or to a body part, said envelope containing: a) a chemiluminescent safety light; b) fire evacuation safety instructions; and c) an attention flag, said attention flag being made of, or coated with, a material having phosphorescent or fluorescent or retroreflective properties, and having a plurality of safety appliques thereon, said appliques being made from, or coated with, a material having fluorescent or phosphorescent or retroreflective properties, said attention flag including, secured thereto, a suction cup, and a cord having a grip at the free end thereof. 2. A rescue alert kit comprising: an envelope, said envelope including a reclosable opening, and, having secured thereto, a high decibel whistle, said envelope including means to hang the envelope on a support or member, or to secure the envelope to a wall or to a body part, said envelope containing: a) a chemiluminescent safety light; b) fire evacuation safety instructions; c) a smoke alarm battery test checklist; and d) an attention flag, said attention flag being made of, or coated with, a material having phosphorescent or fluorescent or retroreflective properties, and having a plurality of safety appliques thereon, said appliques being made from, or coated with, a material having fluorescent or phosphorescent or retroreflective proper- ties, said attention flag including, secured thereto, a suction cup, and a cord having a grip at the free end thereof. 3. The rescue alert kit of claim 1 or 2, wherein said envelope is transparent, e.g., is made of vinyl plastic material. 4. The rescue alert kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reclosable opening is made of VELCRO TM , or is a ZIPPER™. 5. The rescue alert kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means for hanging is a loop secured to said envelope, or is a rubber band secured to the top and the bottom of said envelope and which preferably also includes a strip of VELCRO™. 6. The rescue alert kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said chemiluminescent safety light, once activated is adapted to shine for at least twelve hours, which preferably also includes an elastic loop secured to its casing. 7. The rescue alert kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attention flag is a rectangular strip of synthetic plastic material divided by two score lines to enable a folded-up said flag automatically to become unfolded. 8. The rescue alert kit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said grip comprises a rod formed of a synthetic plastic having fluorescent or phosphorescent properties, tied to one free end of said cord. 9. The rescue alert kit of claim 2, wherein said smoke alarm battery checklist comprises a flat plate having magnets on its rear face to be attachable to a magnetizable surface; or said smoke alarm battery checklist comprises a flat plate having an adhesive surface on its rear face to be attachable to a smooth surface; or said smoke alarm battery checklist comprises a paper sheet which has a self-adhesive rear surface to be attachable to a smooth surface. 10. The rescue alert kit of claims 1 or 2, wherein (A) : said envelope is made of a transparent vinyl plastic material; wherein said reclosable opening is VELCRO™; wherein said means for hanging is a loop secured to said envelope; wherein said means for securing is a rubber band secured to the top and the bottom of said envelope; wherein said rubber band also includes a strip of VELCRO™ secured thereto; wherein said chemiluminescent safety light, once activated is adapted to shine for at least twelve hours; wherein said chemiluminescent safety light includes an elastic loop secured to its casing; wherein said attention flag is a rectangular strip of synthetic plastic material divided by two score lines to enable a folded-up said flag automatically to become unfolded; and wherein said grip comprises a rod formed of a synthetic plastic having fluorescent properties, tied to one free end of said cord; or (B) wherein: said envelope is made of a transparent vinyl plastic material; wherein said reclosable opening is a ZIPPER™; wherein said means for hanging is a loop secured to said envelope; wherein said means for securing is a rubber band secured to the top and the bottom of said envelope; wherein said rubber band also includes a strip of VELCRO™ secured thereto; wherein said chemiluminescent safety light, once activated is adapted to shine for at least twelve hours; wherein said chemiluminescent safety light includes an elastic loop secured to its casing; wherein said attention flag is a rectangular strip of synthetic plastic material divided by two score lines to enable a folded-up said flag automatically to become unfolded; and wherein said grip comprises a rod formed of a synthetic plastic having fluorescent properties, tied to one free end of said cord.

Inventors: ROMANIUK PETER, STANLEY THOMAS A, ROMANIUK, PETER, STANLEY, THOMAS, A.
Applicants: ROMANIUK PETER, STANLEY THOMAS A, ROMANIUK, PETER, STANLEY, THOMAS, A.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A62B5
IPC codes: A62B3, A62B99, G08B3, G08B5, G08B25